Antiparietal Cell Antibody Test - More Information

The parietal cell antibody test, also known as an antiparietal cell blood test, measures antiparietal cell antibody blood levels.

Parietal cells are special types of cells found in the stomach. These cells are responsible for secreting hydrochloric acid (HCl) for digestion and also something called intrinsic factor that is involved with vitamin B12 absorption. The immune systems in some people, for whatever reason, create antibodies that attack their own parietal cells, causing damage that can lead to decreased vitamin B12 absorption. This leads to a condition called pernicious anemia which is largely caused by the vitamin B12 deficiency. Because of its close association with B12 and intrinsic factor, this parietal cell antibody blood test is frequently ordered with the B12 blood test and the intrinsic factor test. Approximately 80% of people with pernicious anemia will have detectable levels of anti-GPA antibodies.

The parietal cell antibody blood test measures the levels of gastric parietal cell antibodies (GPA). As can be seen on the antiparietal cell sample lab report, GPA antibody levels are reported as a numerical result which can be compared against the reference ranges provided by the lab. To get a parietal cell antibody test near you, order online and get your blood drawn at the Quest Diagnostics lab that you selected. Once your parietal cell antibody lab report is ready, it will be available for download.

Sickle cell anemia screening is better performed through the sickle cell test.